5 Patriots Most Likely to Be Inactive vs. Raiders in Week 6

3. Bailey Zappe

Lackluster play under center makes it increasingly clear that Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe aren't the answer for the Patriots' quarterback issues. As bad as Jones has been, Belichick continues leaving slack on his leash, making it more likely that Zappe rides the pine this week.

In an ideal world, Zappe would've shown some promise when he relieved Jones in the last two games. Instead, the Victoria, TX native has gone 7-of-18 (38.9%) with a 52.8 passer rating across 30 offensive snaps.

To put that into perspective, it means that 36.7% of offensive snaps involving Zappe ended with an incompletion.

At this point, Belichick needs to call up either Will Grier or Malik Cunningham from the practice squad. Grier hasn't started a regular-season game since 2019, but his 300-yard performance in the Dallas Cowboys' preseason finale turned a lot of doubters into believers.

Meanwhile, Cunningham has been taking QB reps in practice lately, potentially indicating that the New England coaching staff is getting him ready for in-game action. His mobility and scrambling skills would be useful behind an offensive line that's been among the worst in the league.

Either way, whatever the Patriots are doing under center isn't working and it's time to have a different backup QB ready if Jones gets pulled again.